9 March 2009
Article written by Ee Ling, Nah

In July 2008, I was given the golden opportunity by Tan Leng Cheo & Partners and Thomas Davis & Co to be seconded to the Sydney firm for 8 weeks. Thomas Davis & Co is a distinguished and cosmopolitan firm with more than 100 years history and has staff that hailed from different parts of the world. Thomas Davis and Tan Leng Cheo & Partners shared many similarities. Both firms are kept at a compact size and both also maintained client relationships which dated back to at least twenty years!

During my placement, I was given the chance to work on several assignments which include auditing not-for-profit organizations and the taxation of individuals and corporations. There is no major distinction from Singapore Financial Reporting and Auditing Standards as compared to those in Australia perhaps with the exception of the taxation rules. The eight weeks were an excellent exposure for me to the different firm cultures. Being involved in a variety of audit assignments for not-for-profit organization was also one of the areas that were new to me.

Work aside, weekend trips to Melbourne and Gold Coast, trips to the suburbs and visits to the many beautiful beaches were outings which I have enjoyed every weekend. Being one who spend most of her time in a tropical country which is about the size of New York City and with a population of 4 million, this trip down-under was indeed exhilarating.

I like to take this opportunity to express my thanks to Thomas Davis & Co and its staff for their warm welcome and friendly culture. Special thanks must go to Mr Peter Whiteman, Mr Ray Martin and Mr Jeff Ryan for providing such a great source of advice and support and appreciation to Peter for bringing me to one of the renowned concerto in Sydney .